Americus Mayor proclaims Thursday, September 17 as GSW’s Day of Giving

AMERICUS, Ga. (Sept. 3, 2026) — Americus Mayor Travis Rush signed a proclamation officially recognizing Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026 as Georgia Southwestern State University’s (GSW) eighth annual Day of Giving. 

GSW faculty, staff, and students gathered on the front steps of Wheatley Administration on Gold Force Thursday to witness Mayor Rush sign the proclamation alongside GSW President Kerry Palmer, Ph.D. Rush also presented his own personal contribution to the Day of Giving and expressed his appreciation for GSW’s impact on Americus.

“A university isn’t who they are without support from their city. The town-gown relationship is incredibly important,” Palmer said. “Our job [at GSW] is to make this region of the state in southwest Georgia, a better place to live, a better place to work, a better place to raise a family, and hopefully, an attractive place for industry to come and locate. We appreciate the support the City gives us for things like our Day of Giving and other activities we have, and in turn, we want to support the work that they do.”

GSW’s Day of Giving is an annual 24-hour giving challenge that raises essential funds to support the University and its students. This year, GSW aims to rally at least 700 individual donors and receive contributions from all 50 states in a quest to “turn the map gold.”

On Thursday, Sept. 17, Hurricanes across the country and around the world, including alumni, community members, parents, friends, neighbors, faculty, staff and students, will come together to support GSW. Donors may give to any area of the University that resonates with them, with five funds highlighted for this year’s Day of Giving:

• Southwestern Promise: These scholarships automatically provide $1,000 and $3,000 to all eligible GSW freshmen who meet certain academic requirements.
• President Jimmy Carter Leadership Program: These contributions will bolster the existing program and enhance additional opportunities and involvement.
• General Athletics: Contributions to GSW Athletics includes, but is not limited to, support for athletic facility improvements, scholarships and recruiting enhancements.
• Southwestern Annual Fund: This general-purpose fund provides support for students as needs arise including conference expenses, extra-curricular learning programs, scholarship funding, emergency expenses, and textbook assistance.
• Hurricanes Back-on-Track: This fund provides students with the financial support they need to overcome an unanticipated financial hardship that inhibits their ability to finish a degree.

Rush helped kick off this year’s giving. “I’m giving a unique donation. I want to give $50 for all 50 states because I know that you guys are committed to reaching all 50 states,” declared Rush. “On behalf of the City of Americus, we commend you. Echoing Dr. Palmer, we stand with you. We stand beside you. Whatever we can do as a city to come together to bridge this great community to move forward. We are just a phone call away, we are here for you. Go Canes!”

Donations can be made Sept. 17 through GSW’s online fundraising platform, Give Campus, at gsw.edu/DayOfGiving. Gifts may also be dropped off at the Newman Alumni Center on campus or mailed in advance to the GSW Foundation. Checks should be made payable to the GSW Foundation and mailed to P.O. Box 926, Americus, GA 31709.

In celebration of GSW’s 120th anniversary, donors who make a gift of $120 or more will receive an exclusive commemorative felt pennant featuring the 120th anniversary logo. Donors who make a gift of $250 or more will receive the pennant and a 500-piece puzzle featuring a custom GSW design by British artist Julia Gash.

The community can also support GSW by shopping and dining locally on Day of Giving. Participating restaurants will donate a portion of sales during designated hours to GSW’s Day of Giving. Thank you to 2 Duke’s BBQ, Baker’s Dozen Donuts and Diner, Café Campesino Community Coffeehouse, Carter’s Fried Chicken, Chick-fil-A Americus, Gyro City Mediterranean Grill, Horne Pecan Company, La Esquina Cubano, La Hacienda, Little Brother’s Bistro, Monroe’s Hotdogs, Pat’s Place, Roman Oven Pizzeria, Scoops Americus, Sweet Georgia Bakery & Café, The 1800 Mexican Restaurant, The Alley, The Fish House, The Sheppard House, The Spot, The Station, The Sweet Spot and Toboggan Steve’s. Local retailers Lily’s Boutique, Minick Interiors and Southfitters are also donating a portion of their store sales towards GSW.

Visit gsw.edu/DayOfGiving or follow along on the Facebook event to learn more about the funds supported and the participating restaurant times on GSW’s Day of Giving.